#31: July 27-August 2

July 27, 1953 – Korean War Ends

On July 27, 1953, the Korean War came to an end when leaders from North Korea, China, and the United Nations signed an agreement called an armistice. This stopped the fighting after three years of battles between the North and South parts of Korea. Even though they didn’t sign a peace treaty, the armistice helped bring peace to the area. A special border called the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, was created to keep the two sides apart. Fun fact: The agreement was signed in a small village called Panmunjom, and the table where they signed it is still there today—kind of like a piece of history you can visit! Listen to Episode 102: The Story of the Korean War

July 28, 1866 – First Use of Metric System in the U.S.

On July 28, 1866, the United States officially allowed the use of the metric system, a system of measurement based on tens. This was an important step that gave people in the U.S. the choice to use meters, liters, and grams instead of inches, gallons, and pounds. Even though the U.S. mostly uses the customary system today, the metric system is still used in science, medicine, and many industries. Fun fact: The metric system is used by almost every country in the world—only a few, like the U.S., still use a different system for everyday things!

August 1, 1876 – Colorado Becomes the 38th State

On August 1, 1876, Colorado became the 38th state of the United States. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, Colorado is home to the majestic Rocky Mountains, a huge mountain range that stretches through the western part of the state. These mountains are not only beautiful but also offer fun outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and camping. Because Colorado joined the Union 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, it earned the nickname “The Centennial State.” Fun fact: Colorado has more than 50 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet tall—locals call them “fourteeners,” and many people love trying to climb them all!

August 2, 1776 – Declaration of Independence Signed

On August 2, 1776, most of the members of the Second Continental Congress officially signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. Even though it was approved on July 4, the actual signing happened almost a month later. This important document declared that the 13 American colonies were no longer under British rule and were now free and independent states. It was a brave and historic step that helped shape the United States of America. Fun fact: Not everyone signed the Declaration on the same day—some signed it weeks or even months later! Listen to Episode 157: The Story of July 4th

August 3, 1492 – Columbus Sets Sail

On August 3, 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail from the port of Palos de la Frontera in Spain with three ships—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. He was searching for a faster sea route to Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean. Instead of reaching Asia, he ended up in the Caribbean. After over two months at sea, Columbus and his crew first spotted land on October 12, landing on an island in what is now the Bahamas. From there, he explored other nearby islands, including parts of present-day Cuba and Hispaniola. His journey opened the way for future exploration of the Americas. Fun fact: Columbus made four trips across the Atlantic, but he never realized he had discovered a whole new continent—he believed he had found a part of Asia until the day he died!